Material Handling

The material handling machine example (photo left) is an in-line engine assembly machine for a major motor manufacturer where various components are fed to the machine for their correct position through light sensitive tubes. When the four components are in the correct position, they are moved in an assembly jig to their correct location in the engine block and are inserted. Their location and correct depth in the engine block are inspected by probes. Incorrect positioning sounds an alarm and stops the assembly line.

Photo left:  This is a production welding line. Hydraulic ram tubes have stop collars welded to provide piston heads. The collars are made by depositing steel welding wire on the tubes and finally depositing a layer of bronze weld on the steel.
 The process is totally automatic. When completed, the tube is ejected.